A SūRAH [is this] which We have bestowed from on high, and which We have laid down in plain terms; and in it have We bestowed from on high messages which are clear [in themselves], so that you might keep [them] in mind. (1)

A SURAH [is this] which We have bestowed from on high, and which We have laid down in plain terms;1 and in it have We bestowed from on high messages which are clear [in themselves], so that you might keep [them] in mind.

1 I.e., "the injunctions whereof We have made self-evident by virtue of their wording": thus, according to Bukhari (Kitab at-Tafsir), 'Abd Allah ibn Abbas explains the expression faradnaha in this context (cf. Fath al-Bari VIII, 361). The same explanation, also on the authority of Ibn Abbas, is advanced by Tabari. It would seem that the special stress on God's having laid down this surah "in plain terms" is connected with the gravity of the injunctions spelt out in the sequence: in other words, it implies a solemn warning against any attempt at widening or re-defining those injunctions by means of deductions, inferences or any other considerations unconnected with the plain wording of the Qur'an.

A sura which We have sent down and2953 which We have ordained in it have We sent down Clear Signs, in order that ye may receive admonition.

2953 It must not be thought that the checking of sex offences or of minor improprieties, that relate to sex or privacy, are matters that do not affect spiritual life in the highest degree. These matters are intimately connected with spiritual teaching such as Allah has sent down in this Surah. The emphasis is on "We": these things are not mere matters of convenience, but Allah has ordained them for our observance in life.

A sura which We have sent down and which We have ordained in it have We sent down Clear Signs, in order that ye may receive admonition.
— Abdullah Yusuf Ali

(Here is) a surah which We have revealed and enjoined, and wherein We have revealed plain tokens, that haply ye may take heed.
— Marmaduke Pickthall

(This is) a chapter which We have revealed and made obligatory and in which We have revealed clear communications that you may be mindful.
— M. Habib Shakir

(This is) a Surah (chapter of the Qur'an) which We have sent down and which We have enjoined, (ordained its legal laws) and in it We have revealed manifest Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations lawful and unlawful things, and set boundries of Islamic Religion), that you may remember.
— Taqiuddin Hilali and M. Mohsin Khan

This is a chapter which We have sent down, and which We have ordained; and therein We have sent down revelations manifest, that haply ye may be admonished.
— Abdul-Majid Daryabadi

This is a chapter which We have sent down and appointed; and in it We have sent down clear verses in order that you will remember.
— Hasan Qaribullah and Ahmed Darwish

A Sura We have sent down and have ordained, and We have sent down in it clear signs, that you may take heed.
— Ayub Khan

This is a Surah which We have revealed and the ordinances of which We have made obligatory; and We have revealed therein clear commandments that you may take heed.
— Sher Ali

A S&#363;RAH [is this] which We have bestowed from on high, and which We have laid down in plain terms; and in it have We bestowed from on high messages which are clear [in themselves], so that you might keep [them] in mind.
— Muhammad Asad

A sura that We have sent down and appointed; and We have sent down in it signs, clear signs, that haply you will remember.
— Arthur Arberry

This is a Surah which We have sent down and We have made it mandatory, and We have sent down clear Commandments in it{{1}} so that you may learn lessons.
— Abu'l Ala Maududi